Prospective association between biological aging and risk of hospital-diagnosed MASLD: evidence from the UK Biobank - Report - MDSpire

Prospective association between biological aging and risk of hospital-diagnosed MASLD: evidence from the UK Biobank

  • By

  • Xue Yang

  • Sicheng Li

  • Qingping Xue

  • Peijing Yan

  • Qian Li

  • Yi Gong

  • Xiayue Fan

  • Wenzhi Zhu

  • Shiyi Wu

  • Shanshan Zhang

  • Ko Willems van Dijk

  • Patrick C.N. Rensen

  • Ruifang Li-Gao

  • Yanan Wang

  • Ting Yao

  • June 17, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Examining the Link Between Biological Aging and Hospital-Diagnosed MASLD

Overview

This study investigates the association between biological aging and hospital-diagnosed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) using data from the UK Biobank. Findings indicate that accelerated biological aging is significantly linked to MASLD and may mediate the effects of unhealthy lifestyle factors on this condition.

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent condition affecting approximately 25% of the adult population, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the role of biological aging in MASLD is crucial, as aging influences metabolic processes that contribute to the disease's pathogenesis. This study aims to clarify the relationship between biological aging and MASLD, which may inform risk stratification and prevention strategies.

Data Highlights

{'table': {'headers': ['Measure', 'PhenoAge Acceleration', 'KDMAge Acceleration'], 'rows': [{'Measure': 'Hazard Ratio', 'PhenoAge Acceleration': '1.46 (95% CI, 1.35-1.57)', 'KDMAge Acceleration': '1.35 (95% CI, 1.19-1.53)'}, {'Measure': 'Mediation Proportion (Smoking)', 'PhenoAge Acceleration': '25.5%', 'KDMAge Acceleration': '≤2%'}, {'Measure': 'Mediation Proportion (Drinking)', 'PhenoAge Acceleration': '11.4%', 'KDMAge Acceleration': '≤2%'}, {'Measure': 'Mediation Proportion (Poor Diet)', 'PhenoAge Acceleration': 'Range 11.4%-25.5%', 'KDMAge Acceleration': '≤2%'}, {'Measure': 'Mediation Proportion (Low Physical Activity)', 'PhenoAge Acceleration': 'Range 11.4%-25.5%', 'KDMAge Acceleration': '≤2%'}]}}

Key Findings

  • Accelerated biological aging is significantly associated with hospital-diagnosed MASLD.
  • Hazard ratios indicate a 46% increased risk for MASLD with PhenoAge acceleration.
  • KDMAge acceleration shows a 35% increased risk for MASLD.
  • PhenoAge acceleration mediates the relationship between unhealthy lifestyle factors and MASLD.
  • The strongest mediation effect was observed for smoking, accounting for 25.5% of the association.
  • KDMAge acceleration exhibited minimal mediation effects (≤2%).

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider biological aging as a significant factor in assessing MASLD risk, particularly in patients with unhealthy lifestyle habits. Interventions targeting lifestyle modifications may be more effective if biological aging is addressed as part of the management strategy for MASLD.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of biological aging in the context of MASLD, suggesting that it may serve as a valuable marker for risk assessment and intervention strategies. Further research is warranted to explore the implications of these associations in clinical practice.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Exploring the Links Between MASLD, Comorbidities Beyond the Liver, and Overall Mortality in the UK Biobank Study
  2. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023 -- Metabolomic signatures mediate the association between physical frailty and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a prospective cohort study
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- The Impact of Daily Light Exposure and Activity Patterns on the Risk of MASLD: Findings from Two National Cohort Analyses
  4. A multisociety Delphi consensus statement on new fatty liver disease nomenclature - Journal of Hepatology, 2023
  5. Drug Trials Snapshots: REZDIFFRA | FDA, 2024
  6. Association between advanced fibrosis and epigenetic age acceleration among individuals with MASLD - PubMed, 2023
  7. the pathologist — What Metabolic Aging Says About Dementia Risk
  8. A multisociety Delphi consensus statement on new fatty liver disease nomenclature - Journal of Hepatology
  9. Drug Trials Snapshots: REZDIFFRA | FDA
  10. Association between advanced fibrosis and epigenetic age acceleration among individuals with MASLD - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Related Content